Libsyn Directory

#155 - Why Relationships Matter More Than Rewards with Dr. Barry Prizant

Release Date: 12/30/2025

#160: Modeling AAC All Day: What Changes When Communication Is Everywhere

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

In this episode, we’re talking about what truly changes when AAC is modeled all day—not just during instruction, but during play, routines, transitions, and real-life moments. So often, AAC is treated as something that happens only at the table or during therapy. But when modeling AAC becomes part of the entire day, communication shifts from a task to a relationship. This episode explores how modeling AAC without expectation builds regulation, engagement, trust, and spontaneous communication over time. In this episode, you’ll learn: What “all-day AAC modeling” actually means (and...

#159 - Why AAC Is Not a Reward!

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

In this episode, we’re unpacking a common—and harmful—myth in autism and AAC support: the idea that communication must be earned. You’ll hear why treating AAC as a reward makes regulation harder, not easier—and how unconditional access to communication supports regulation, trust, and participation, especially during autism meltdowns. This episode reframes AAC as access, not a behavior strategy, and offers practical ways to support communication during real-life moments of distress. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why AAC should never be used as a reward How communication and...

#158 AAC Shouldn’t Have to Be Earned

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

In this episode, we’re talking about the powerful connection between AAC and dysregulation—and why regulation is access to communication. So often, AAC is treated as a skill kids are expected to use only when they’re calm and regulated. But when a child is dysregulated, overwhelmed, or in survival mode, accessing any form of communication—spoken or AAC—is incredibly hard. This episode reframes AAC as an access tool, not a reward, and explores what it really means to support communication during hard moments. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why AAC use often breaks down during...

#157 We Wrote a Book! Introducing The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners With Sarah Habib

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

In this special episode, Tara sits down with her friend and collaborator Sarah Habib from The Calm Caterpillar to share some exciting news—you’re hearing it here first! Together, they’ve written a brand-new book, The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners, and this conversation takes you behind the scenes of how it came to life and why it’s so needed. This episode is a must-listen for educators, therapists, and parents who want practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support regulation, transitions, and connection—without compliance-based approaches. About the...

#156: Visual Schedules: Why They Work and How They Help Autistic Children

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

Today we’re talking about one of my favorite tools for supporting autistic preschoolers — visual schedules. These simple supports can make transitions smoother, reduce anxiety, and help kids feel safe and confident as they move through their day. I’ll share a quick story from the classroom and break down why visual schedules work so well, especially for our autistic little learners. Show notes: ● Why visual schedules are one of the most effective supports for autistic preschoolers ● A real classroom story about a...

#155 - Why Relationships Matter More Than Rewards with Dr. Barry Prizant

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

In this replay episode, I’m thrilled to bring back one of the most impactful conversations I’ve ever had on the podcast — my interview with Dr. Barry Prizant, world-renowned speech-language pathologist and author of the groundbreaking book Uniquely Human. Our discussion gets to the heart of why the field of autism education is shifting away from compliance-based, behavior-focused models and toward approaches rooted in compassion, emotional regulation, and trusting relationships. Dr. Prizant shares powerful insights about: ✨ understanding autistic behaviors as meaningful human responses...

#154 Is PECS Still the Best Option? Rethinking AAC for Autistic Communicators

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

This episode is back as a replay because the conversation is still incredibly relevant—and the questions around PECS and AAC haven’t gone away. In this episode, we take a thoughtful, nuanced look at the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and its role in supporting autistic communication. While PECS has been widely used for decades, growing research, lived experience, and neurodiversity-affirming practice are prompting professionals to ask deeper questions about autonomy, flexibility, and what true communication really looks like. I’m joined by speech-language pathologists...

#153 - Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Dr. Taylor Day

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

This episode is back by popular demand—and for good reason. One of the most requested and talked-about conversations on The Autism Little Learners Podcast, this replay dives into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with licensed psychologist Dr. Taylor Day. In this episode, we explore PDA as a profile within autism, with a strong focus on nervous system differences, autonomy, and the fight-or-flight response. Dr. Tay shares why traditional behavior-based approaches often miss the mark for children with PDA and offers compassionate, practical insights for parents and educators who want to...

#152 - How to Explain Autism to Children: Neuro-Affirming Tips from an Autistic SLP

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

Have you ever wondered how to talk to children about autism in a way that feels natural, positive, and empowering? In this replay episode, I’m bringing back my incredibly insightful conversation with Andi Putt (Mrs. Speechie P) — an Autistic SLP who specializes in autism evaluations and neuro-affirming support. Andi shares compassionate, practical ways to talk to autistic children about their identity, how to approach conversations with peers and siblings, and why starting these discussions early can make a profound impact on a child’s confidence, self-understanding, and mental health....

#151 Why Connection Comes First for Autistic Kids

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

In today’s episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, I’m diving into one of the most meaningful parts of working with autistic preschoolers: connection. When we lead with compassion, honor sensory needs, and truly celebrate each child’s unique way of being, we create the emotional safety that helps them learn, communicate, and thrive. I’m sharing why stepping out of “teacher mode,” validating autistic play, and tapping into deep interests are essential for forming authentic relationships. If you’re ready for simple, practical strategies that build trust, reduce overwhelm,...

More Episodes

Our discussion gets to the heart of why the field of autism education is shifting away from compliance-based, behavior-focused models and toward approaches rooted in compassion, emotional regulation, and trusting relationships.

Dr. Prizant shares powerful insights about:
✨ understanding autistic behaviors as meaningful human responses
✨ how storytelling has shaped his work and shaped Uniquely Human
✨ why reflective practice is essential in our classrooms
✨ and how listening to autistic voices is helping reshape “what works” in autism education

We also dig into topics like echolalia, the SCERTS model, relationship-based intervention, non-speaking communication, and why honoring a child’s intuition and individuality is more effective—and more humane—than rigid compliance.

This conversation left me feeling inspired, energized, and hopeful about where autism education is heading… and I know it will do the same for you.

Bio

Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP is recognized as among the world’s leading scholars on autism and as an innovator of respectful, person- and family-centered approaches. He is Director of Childhood Communication Services, Adjunct Professor of Communicative Disorders at the University of Rhode Island, and has fifty years of experience as an international consultant and researcher. Barry has published five books, 150 articles/chapters, and is co-author of The SCERTS Model, now being implemented internationally. He was a two-time featured presenter at the UN World Autism Awareness Day, with more than 1000 presentations internationally. Barry’s book Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism (2022) is the best-selling book on autism since 2015, published in 26 languages and ranked by Book Authority as #1 of the “100 best books on autism of all time”. Barry co-hosts a podcast, Uniquely Human: The Podcast, with his friend, Dave Finch, an autistic audio engineer.

Dr. Barry Prizant’s Links:

Website: https://barryprizant.com/

Uniquely Human Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901

Uniquely Human Book: https://amzn.to/4e5VWZN

The Scerts Model Books: https://amzn.to/4kFpbF5

DRBI (Developmental Relationship-Based Intervention) Interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901?i=1000711834231

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): https://autisticadvocacy.org/

Amy Laurent Ted Talk “Compliance Is Not The Goal”: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_laurent_compliance_is_not_the_goal_letting_go_of_control_and_rethinking_support_for_autistic_individuals?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Thinking Person’s Guide To Autism: https://thinkingautismguide.com/

David Finch Website: https://davidjfinch.com/

Ros Blackburn & Sigourney Weaver Interview: https://uniquelyhuman.com/2021/04/23/logically-illogical-an-interview-with-ros-blackburn-with-special-guest-sigourney-weaver/

Takeaways

Dr. Barry Prizant brings decades of expertise in speech-language pathology, psycholinguistics, and autism advocacy — grounded in human connection, not behavior control.
Uniquely Human was written to change the narrative around autism by sharing stories that center humanity, not deficits.
Autistic behaviors are human responses, not symptoms to extinguish — and understanding the “why” leads to more effective and compassionate support.
Emotional regulation and relationships matter more than compliance; kids cooperate when they feel safe, supported, and understood.
The shift toward neurodiversity-affirming practice requires reflective practice and humility from professionals — especially when something isn’t working.
Evidence-based practice is broader than peer-reviewed research. It also includes family insight, lived experience, and data from everyday interactions.
Parents’ intuition matters, and professionals should never ask families to ignore what feels right for their child.
Compliance-focused approaches often overlook emotional development, social connection, and the child’s authentic voice.
True support begins with trust, co-regulation, and being a calming presence when a child is overwhelmed.
Listening to autistic voices is essential for shaping ethical and effective educational practices.
Meaningful progress happens through everyday activities, strengths, and interests, not isolated drills.
The field is moving toward relationship-based, developmental models (like SCERTS)—and that gives real hope for the future.

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